Q mock draft: Week 19

The curious case of Johnny Manziel

It’s easy to make an argument Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel is a potential Top 5 selection. It’s also easy to make an argument his game doesn’t translate well to the NFL ranks.

It’s a fine balancing act trying to ascertain where Manziel fits in the grand scheme of all things NFL.

Manziel has been a superstar the two seasons he started for the Aggies. He threw for 7,820 yards and ran for 2,169 more. He also accumulated 93 total touchdowns. Manziel already owns a Heisman Trophy. He excelled nearly every step of the way. Yet, there are concerns about his overall skill set.

He doesn’t have ideal arm strength or size. It’s unclear whether he’ll be able to consistently read NFL defenses, how his athleticism translates to the the next level and if he possesses the maturity to be a leader in an NFL locker room. These are the questions Manziel has to answer.

Most have assumed for some time now that he’ll make the jump and try to state his case. But he recently said he’s not sure whether he’ll declare for the draft even after every indication pointed toward him doing so after this past season, saying: “I want to make the right decision that’s best for me and my family.”

Manziel will, of course, benefit should other underclassmen forego the draft. UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley decided to return to school, and Marcus Mariota hasn’t backed off his decision to stay at Oregon for another year. Both have the potential to be Top 10 overall selections.

Manziel could legitimately become a Top 5 selection for a team that falls in love with his play-making ability. In this week’s mock, the Browns decided to jump on their potential franchise quarterback sooner rather than later.

The Cleveland Browns want to make a splash and inject some life into a listless franchise. Auburn’s Gus Malzahn and Vanderbilt’s James Franklin have both been discussed as potential candidates for the head coach vacancy. The Browns appear to prefer an innovate offensive head coach. It’s also believed the Browns’ are already quite fond of Manziel.

It appears to be the ideal situation for a franchise that desperately wants to add a superstar quarterback, while Manziel will go to an organization that will build around his specific talents.

Johnny Manziel could will the damn Cleveland Browns to a Super Bowl and it wouldn't surprise me.

*Draft order was determined by current record, playoff results and strength of schedule. The slotting for the Cowboys and the Ravens was decided by a coin flip due to identical records and opponent strength of schedules.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The mock draft was adjusted due to Oregon CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu’s decision to return to Eugene for his senior campaign.